Skill Players Fine-Tuning Their Game To Peak In August

The June football camp gauntlet continues to roll on and not even Mother Nature throwing tornados and torrential rain in the path has slowed things down.   The show must go on and with a little over a month to go it is time to put the finishing touches on an off-season of hard work and dedication to the craft.   In this report we are taking a quick look at five guys who are right on the cusp of breakout seasons. The first player out of the chute is a senior to be who is getting ready to dominate on both sides of the ball. The next four are class of '27 ballers who are going to take it to the next level this fall.   So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:   [player_tooltip player_id='1622490' first='Conner' last='Holladay']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/conner-holladay/"></a> , 6'0, 200, LB/RB, Great Bend, '26. He is coming off a standout junior season as a headhunter of a linebacker who racked up 70 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks last fall. This year he will continue to bring the hammer as a linebacker but will get the chance to show what he can do as a running back as well. To get ready to go both ways he has been busy in the off-season and has already hit multiple camps in June. He just got back from the Kansas University camp where he worked with the running backs instead of going with the linebackers and had a good showing. With his powerful frame and explosiveness off the cut, he blows through arm tackles and has the burst needed to get into the secondary quickly. Get ready to see this guy dominate on both sides of the ball this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1586376' first='Izaac' last='Popp']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/izaac-popp/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/izaac-popp/"></a> , 5'9, 195, RB/LB, Eisenhower, '27. He is another running back I have had my eye on since last year when he showed his potential against Newton when he carried 10 times for 152 yards, including a 66-yard score and had a pair of TD's on the night. For the year he carried 24 times for 232 yards and scored three touchdowns. With his strong legs, low center of gravity and quickness he is adept at picking up big yardage after the initial hit, but also has the speed and acceleration to break the long run. On defense he is an aggressive linebacker who uses his read and react skills and closing speed to fly to the ball. He has been busy in camp season, having already been to Washburn, Baker and Lindenwood, with Pitt State and Emporia State still to come. This guy is primed for a breakout season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='933824' first='Coy' last='Barta']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/coy-barta/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/coy-barta/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/coy-barta/"></a> , 6'3, 175, ATH, Topeka Seaman, '27. He is coming off frustrating injuries that kept him from playing spring sports or 7v7 but is healthy now and making up for lost time. He recently wrapped up a team camp at Washburn and earlier this week had a good showing at the KU camp. He is also planning on going to Pitt State and Emporia State camps in July. While working through his rehab he has also grown a couple of inches and put on 15 pounds since last year. With his prototype size, catch radius and athleticism he is going to be a nightmare for opposing defenses this fall. Whether it is making the contested grab over the middle or high-pointing the ball in the endzone, he can make all the plays expected of an elite receiver. Get your popcorn ready, this guy is going to put on a show this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228156' first='Jayson' last='Rush']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jayson-rush/"></a> , 6'0, 175, ATH, Olathe North, '27. He is coming off a good sophomore season showcasing speed and skills and giving coaches a sign of things to come. He has been busy in the off-season, playing 7v7 with Building Champions and running track. He has continued running track this summer while training for football and recently advanced to the AAU regionals with PR's, winning the 400 and was runner-up in the 200. He has already been busy in camp season, having attended William Jewell, KC Varsity, Six Star, KU and KSU Camps with more to come. With his speed and athleticism he is a dangerous wideout on offense who is a threat anytime he touches the ball. On defense he is a ballhawk of a safety with great instincts. This guy is going to light it up on both sides of the ball this fall.   Armoni Velez, 5'10, 180, RB/LB, Ottawa, '27. He is coming off a solid sophomore season playing for Central Heights and has since transferred to Ottawa where he is looking to take his skills to the next level. A two-way baller he has been training hard in the off-season to be ready to play running back on offense and linebacker on the other side of the ball. He has been in the weight room 4-5 times a week and has also spent time working on his speed and footwork. He has been busy attending camps as he recently went to K-State and Sharp Performance camps to supplement his training. With his quickness and athleticism he can play any number of positions on both sides of the ball, but should shine carrying the ball on offense and as a rock-solid defender. Look for this guy to bust out for big year with his new team.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys this fall – you will not be disappointed! Also, DM me via X if you know of any other players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

The June football camp gauntlet continues to roll on and not even Mother Nature throwing tornados and torrential rain in the path has slowed things down.